Pet Pro Profile:
Simone Skovron, The Pet Loo

How many times have you taken the dog out for bathroom break–and worried they wouldn't make it out in time? Necessity was the mother of invention when it came to The Pet Loo, first developed in Australia by Simone Skovron who invented the handy "backyard in a box." Today Simone and her husband Tobi Skovron are the co-founders of Pup-Pee Solutions, a company that's expanded globally and product-wise as well, now offering enzyme cleaners. We caught up with Simone to learn more about the couple's fast-growing business.

Can you tell us about your background, especially your experience with pets?

I am a qualified social worker with a special interest in, and appreciation for, Animal Assisted Therapy. I strongly believe in the benefits of animal companionship both on a physical and emotional level. While I’ve spent the better part of the last few years working as a social worker in an aged care facility, over the years I’ve accumulated experience working with domestic animals both in the capacity as a vet nurse, animal assisted therapist (I studied this) and in pet retail.

How did you come to invent The Pet Loo?

The Pet Loo was invented out of pure need. As an apartment dwellers with dogs, I became frustrated with having to toilet my dogs at inconvenient times, worry they wouldn’t be able to hold on if I was late getting home, and pray they make it down the flights of stairs in time. I found myself saying that I needed “a backyard in a box” for my balcony and my husband decided we should go ahead and create it.

What tips do you have for pet parents who want to train their dog to use the Pet Loo?

The beauty of the Pet Loo is that is replicates the outdoors so if a dog is grass trained, they actually will require very little or no training. If training a puppy, it’s matter of applying simple toilet training principles and if a dog is needed some encouragement there are way to do so which is usually specific to the dog’s situation.  Detailed information on training pets to use the Pet Loo can be found on our website www.thepetloo.com
 

Pup-Pee Soutions has expanded its product offerings to include enzyme products for pet stains and smells. Can you tell us about these and how they work? What makes them different from traditional pet stain removers?

Although The Pet Loo is our flagship product, more recently we have responded to consumer need to develop a chemical free, biodegradable range of cleaning products called the “NO Range.” The funky packaging on all the bottles explain their individual purpose, ranging from odor removers, to stain removers and cleaning products specifically for pet areas. Our products don’t mask the problems, they get to the root of the problem and that’s why they are proving to be so effective.

What else would you like the readers of DogTipper.com to know about your work?

As a company, Pup-Pee Solutions is motivated by the want to break down the barriers to pet ownership. More often than not, people will opt out of owning a pet or surrender a pet as a result of a toileting issue. As a Pet Waste Management company, we seek to solve these problems so that more people can enjoy the privilege that comes with owning a pet!

For More Information:

• Website: www.thepetloo.com
• Email: usa@thepetloo.com | info@thepetloo.com
• BLOG: www.thepetloo.com/blog
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/PetLoo

“People support what they help create,” says Jerry Lynch from GMP Friction Products. And that’s exactly what we feel at Pup-Pee Solutions.

Our products were created out of necessity for pet owners and their pets. Every step of the creation process we constantly raised the question “what do people want?” And once we had all practical bases perfected and manufactured we were able to look at the product image. 

Our enzyme range of cleaning solutions; Wee Care, Whiff Off and Liquid Ate were launched over a year ago and are selling incredibly well. With the release of three sister products just last month; Pup Care, Critter Care and Kitty Care, we felt it was time to set our Marketing Gurus loose on creating a more uniformed and attractive look and feel.

“There is no way to mistake the ubiquitous trademarked Coca-Cola bottle with any of their competitors.” [1] Our aim was to create a look that would “pop”. An image that was highly recognizable no matter where it was positioned on the retailer’s shelf, or in which country it was being sold. The same notion applied to the naming of our new products.

“It may be true that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but would it sell as well? After all, no one ever named a child after the flossflower. So it goes with new products. However good it is, the name attached to it has to do its job, too.”[2]

Pup-Pee Solutions has gone beyond traditional approaches on branding to make what we hope to be an irresistible brand identity. 

Our enzyme range products are available now. Click here to find your nearest retailer.

[1] Bernd H. Schmitt and Alex Simonson, Marketing Aesthetics: The Strategic Management of Brands, Identity and Image.

[2] What’s In a Name – Creating a Corporate or Product Identity – Marketing, Robert Maynard.

In May 2008, Pup-Pee Solutions let loose their enzyme based sanitising solutions Wee Care, Whiff and Liquid Ate. These chemical free cleansers have sold in amazing numbers not just around Australia, but around the world.

We are proud to say that there has not been one dissatisfied customer!

So exactly one year later, May 2009 we have launched three new products in a continuation of this line.

The House of Loo would like to introduce to you Kitty Care, Pup Care and Critter Care.

These lines were developed to create a healthy habitat for your pet and your family. The new products, just like the previous lines, are 100% natural and specifically formulated to effectively eliminate and sanitse your pet’s toileting environment.

Kitty Care was formulated to sanitise the Kitty Kat Pet Loo or existing Kitty Litter trays.

Pup Care can be used for dog kennels, cages, carriers and puppy play pens.

While Critter care will take care of your rabbit hutch, guinea pig cage, ferret enclosure or small pet play pens.

All of our enzyme products are non-toxic, non-irritating, 100% biodegradable and harmless to your pet, your family and the environment.

With Jessica Bruns, Head of Sales in Victoria Australia  

Jess, you meet with pet retailers every day. What sort of response does The Pet Loo, and all other products in Pup-Pee Solutions range, get in the Australian market? 

Pup-Pee solutions are a well known and trusted supplier. The majority of pet retailers in Victoria are aware of the benefits of The Pet Loo and associated products; however there are always extra advantages and benefits to point out.

I am in a unique position where I receive feedback from retailers (many of whom own the Pet Loo themselves) and a wide range of ‘end users’ such as breeders, elderly owners (and owners of elderly pets!) apartment dwellers, owners with large yards as well as everyday pet owners.

To me this just goes to show that The Pet Loo is a solution for a wide range of owners, not just those in apartments. 

As for the enzyme technology, I am constantly amazed by the feedback and the sales figures of all products in the range. Both indicate to me that these products are being chosen by our end users as they know they are effective and safe for their whole family.

The reason our end users are making such wise choices is mainly to do with our retailers and the belief they have in the products, as most of our retailers have tried the products for themselves and have seen the results. 

What do you believe the Australian market is ‘crying out’ for?

Pet ownership figures in Australia show that over 80% of households have at least one pet. This indicates to me a greater need to facilitate pet ownership across all lifestyles. This means providing products that make pet ownership easier and more practical for all Australians.  

Innovative products are always in demand as lifestyles change. This is the beauty of our products, and our company. We are facilitating pet ownership for all across Australia and the world. 

What do you like best about the product range?

I couldn’t say if I have a ‘favorite’ product, the thing I like best about our product range is the originality of our products. It is refreshing to go into the marketplace and offer something new and innovative to consumers, not only in Australia but around the world.

How do you find working with Tobi and Nathan? 

Tobi and Nathan couldn’t really be more different in their approach to our business; however together they are a formidable team with a wealth of knowledge and information.

Nathan’s experience in the pet industry arms us with extensive sales and marketing strategies, as well as constant encouragement and advice.

Tobi brings the flair and passion to the business, he is the one who inspires us all with his hard work and dedication and his superior business knowledge. 

What is it that you love most about your position within Pup-Pee Solutions? 

I have the opportunity to deal with some of the best pet stores Australia wide and of course the common element between all stores is great staff. There are some very competent business owners and managers in our pet industry, as well as some of the best retail workers. Of course my passion for animals will always be the driving force behind my career, so I couldn’t work for a better, more pet friendly company. 

How would you like to see Pup-Pee Solutions to grow in the Australian market?

I believe Pup-Pee solutions will be fundamental in the growth of the pet industry in Australia.I think in the future we will be introducing more new ideas and products to the market and I expect us to remain a leader in the pet industry, focusing on pet waste management and other essentials of pet ownership. 

I will be very pleased to be part of the Pup-Pee team in the years to come, and look forward to the development and release of new products. 

At Pup-Pee Solutions, our pets are a huge part of our lives and as much as we love all that they do, we are all too aware that it’s only a matter of time before accidents will happen.

Whether your pet is young or just over-excited, when a mess is made it isn’t always simple to clean. This can be especially frustrating when a urine smell is left on carpets, wooden floors, tiles, furniture etc, which can be all to welcoming for a revisit. It’s at these times when mistakes can turn into bad habits.

If you find that your pet is returning to the same area you know you have a whiffy problem on hand.

That’s our cue to jump in.

We just love solving people’s problems, especially when it’s in our area of expertise! No other company is as passionate about pet waste management as Pup-Pee Solutions. So, in keeping with our enzyme technology products we are very proud to introduce to you Whiff Off.

Whiff Off is a product that aims to attack and eliminate airborne odours, not just mask them. It’s safe for use on fabrics, flooring, pet habitats and other surfaces within habitats. Whiff Off is non caustic, non corrosive and 100% biodegradable. 

So if you find that your dog is picking up bad habits, why not grab yourself a bottle of Whiff Off?

Simply spray liberally on the affected area and let dry.

Whiff Off contains secret blends that act as a deterrent so that it will not only remove the odour, but also discourage your pet from returning.

This makes it not only a great cleaner, but an easy to use training aid!

Founder of United Pet Group comes out of retirement to endorse a pet toilet

Orlando, FL (February, 2009) – United Pet Group founder Mark Stern has left retirement to sanction a unique dog toilet from Australia he believes will be a smash hit with pet owners.

The Pet Loo is a “back yard in a box” that fits inside homes, so animals can relieve themselves when owners can’t be there. Stern, who has been retired for three years, joined Pet Loo co-inventor Tobi Skovron when he exhibited the product for ‘a twice-a-day problem’ at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida last week. 

Stern knows pet products – his businesses have been central to the massive growth of what is now a $60 billion plus industry. “When I met Tobi and Nicole and they showed me their product I was very
impressed. The Pet Loo is a unique globally patented solution to an age old problem,” says Stern. 

Until 2005, Stern headed UPG which established brands including Nature’s Miracle, Dingo, 8 in 1, Marine land and Perfecto that lead the global pet industry, today – it was sold to Spectrum Brands in 2005

Skovron, 28, hopes that Stern’s insight will help to grow their business in the world’s largest consumer market. “Strategic advice from someone with Mark’s industry experience is a tremendous asset for our young company as we start to grow in the US,” he says. 

Fate brought Skovron and Stern together in New York last July when Skovron travelled to Manhattan to set up The Pet Loo’s US Office. Skovron and his sister-in-law, Nicole sat next to Stern at Murray’s Bagels.

The rest is history. They stayed in touch and last month Stern agreed to work with the company to dominate pet waste management around the world. 

About Mark Stern

• Former President and CEO of “Eight In One Products”
• Founder and President of UPG (United Pet Group) 1997 to 2005,
• Board of Directors from 1997 to 2005
• Board of Directors of American Pet Products Association from 1986 to 1997
• President of the American Pet Products Association from 1995 to 1996 

About Tobi Skovron

• CEO of Pup-Pee Solutions, Co-Inventor of The Pet Loo, 2003
• Winner of Australia’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 2008 

About Pup-Pee Solutions

Pup-Pee Solutions’ philosophy is that animal companionship should be accessible for all and that convenient, user-friendly products eliminate barriers to pet ownership. The company was founded by Tobi and Simone Skovron. Simone is a former veterinary nurse and social worker.

The company launched the award-winning Pet Loo in Australia in July 2006 and its products are now sold in over 70 countries Pup-Pee Solutions has broadened its range to include other pet-related products including the Kitty Kat, and an Enzyme Technology Range – all Product are Patented

As consumers we fork out millions of dollars every year on cleaning products for our homes, but many of these chemical products are toxic and harmful to our health and our pets who are closer to the surface then we are!

We all like a sparkling kitchen, a clean bathroom and especially a sanitised toilet, so why shouldn’t we offer the same thing to our pets. They are part of the family too.

This got us thinking here at The Pet Loo Headquarters.

As we’re passionate about our pets, we wouldn’t want them to come into contact with these harsh cleaners. As you can imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs, and many new ‘natural’ cleaners contain citrus properties as an ingredient. Citrus scents deter your pet from toileting on their designated area and force them to seek other places around your house. Places that might include you new carpet or bathroom floor.

So we cared enough to create Wee Care!

Wee Care is an easy to use liquid that is sprayed onto the unit after it has had its daily rinse, and left to dry. Wee Care is one of our amazing chemical-free, enzyme based products that work by eating away at the bacteria and organic compounds that can be left behind after toileting.

The natural action of enzymes leaves no by-products behind. This means that there is nothing to attract dirt and bacteria, which keeps your pet’s habitat free of problem causing organic contaminants or chemical residues.

Wee Care is a revolutionary product that is non-toxic, non-irritating, 100% biodegradable and harmless to your pet, family & environment.

So to keep your pet healthy and happy, why not pick up a bottle of Wee Care today?